Gavin Bazunu withdraws as Ireland squad votes to face Israel

Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad in protest over the team's Nations League fixtures against Israel, while a majority of his teammates voted to proceed. The Guardian reported that the decision followed lengthy discussions on Saturday, with Ireland still intending to play Sunday's match in Hungary.

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In a social media statement reported by The Irish Times, the goalkeeper explained that his faith and personal principles had led him to conclude he should not take part. He said his opposition concerned the killing of innocent people and events in the region, rather than Israeli people or the Jewish community. He also expressed respect for his teammates, coaches and Irish supporters.

Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell said a player had told head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson he was uncomfortable fulfilling the fixture and intended to withdraw. According to The Guardian, about four hours of discussions followed, mainly among players but also involving coaching staff and executives. Courell described the eventual vote in favour of playing as a significant majority.

The squad also agreed measures to express its unease. Courell said players would wear black armbands to recognise lives lost in the conflict, while Ireland would not participate in the pre-match handshake or exchange of pennants. The Guardian reported that Saturday's training was delayed by five hours as the squad considered its position on the fixture.

The withdrawal concerns games scheduled for September 27 and October 4. The Irish Times reported that the second match would take place behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia. Associated Press had reported earlier in the week that both fixtures were being staged on neutral territory and that no tickets would be made available to Irish supporters for either game.

Israel's team leadership welcomed Ireland's decision to play, arguing that football should remain separate from politics, The Guardian reported. Israeli officials said they would take part in the usual pre-match formalities. Bazunu's public statement, meanwhile, made clear that he regarded his own withdrawal as a matter of conscience despite the importance he attached to representing his country.